6 • THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
ARTS
THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 27,2003
Comedic play looks at life's issues
By Donovan Atkinson
datkinson@kansan.com
Jayplay writer
Fanny Cavendish, played by Betty Laird, and Julie Cavendish, played by Mo Perry, Eden Prairie, Minn., senior, remember one of Julie's past love interests.
Kelley Weiss/Kansan
Before the stars of film and radio, there were the stars of the American stage. Actors and actresses like George M. Cohan and Helen Hayes were household names and given royal treatment. The Barrymore family — which produced John, Lionel, Ethel and eventually Drew — was the ruling family of Broadway.
In fact, the Barrymores served as the inspiration of 1927's The Royal Family, which opens tomorrow at University Theatre.
"The show faces the same problem anyone going into a profession has to make. How much time goes to professional life, how much to family, how much to personal?"
Betty Laird
Lawrence actress
Written by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, The Royal Family takes a close look at the fictional
Barrymore-esque Cavendish family. The play showcases the relationships of a family whose personal and professional lives intermingle.
"It's a Valentine to the American theater," said Jack Wright, director and professor of theater and film.
While the show is a comedy, it also takes a look at the issue of career versus personal life.
The family matriarch, Fanny, has had a lengthy career and now sees her daughter, Julie take her place as the most popular actress on Broadway. However, Julie's own
daughter, Gwen, is becoming a rising star. Both Julie and Gwen face decisions between family and career, love and art.
"The show faces the same problem anyone going into a profession has to make," said Betty Laird, Lawrence actress. "How much time goes to professional life, how much to family, how much to personal?"
Wright chose Laird to play the part of Fanny for the University Theatre production. Laird has worked in theater and film, appearing in productions at the Lawrence Community Theatre and in movies such as
THE ROYAL FAMILY
University Theatre will present The Royal Family, by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber, Feb. 28 through March 1 and March 6 through 8 at 7:30 p.m. and March 2 at 2:30 p.m. in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre. The production is directed by Jack Wright, associate professor of theater and film.
problems working with college students during this production.
"They are all so sweet, kind, gracious and charming," she said. "They're always looking out for me."
Laird's sentiment for her fellow cast members is returned.
Sarah, Plain and Tall as Mrs. Parkley.
Laird said that she had not had any — Edited by Erin Chapman
"She's a really great lady," said Darren Maloney, Overland Park junior and cast member. "It's fun talking to her backstage and one-on-one."